January is National Mentor Month, and members of Peace Incorporated’s Big Brothers-Big Sisters Program in Syracuse are trying to recruit more “BIGs” to help change young lives.
Basketball is a common bond between Calvin Davis, 14, and his mentor Tony Baird. Calvin already has a smooth jump shot, but Tony has been helping the Corcoran ninth grader get even better.
What You Need To Know
- More than ever, Peace Inc. organizers in Syracuse say Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers are needed
- January is National Mentor Month
- Organizers say becoming a "Big" requires as little as six hours a month and doesn't have to cost you anything
“Working with weights a little bit, jumping ability and those types of things. But especially his shooting and defensive skills. There’s things that we can do to start working on those types of things,” said Baird.
Tony’s relationship with Calvin extends far beyond the basketball court. For the past four years, the Syracuse business owner has been Calvin’s big brother in Big Brothers Big Sisters in Syracuse.
“When I’m with him, we do like studying, and basketball and going to church on Sundays,” said Davis.
From homework and cards to checking out a ballgame, the two have formed a strong friendship that comes at a time when Calvin really needs a role model.
More than ever, adults are needed to provide support to kids to help motivate them, help them keep their grades up and focus on goals.
“Their grade point average in school goes up. The measure of their self-confidence improves. The chances that youngsters will be involved with the juvenile justice system sharply decreases if they have a mentor in their lives,” said Peace Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Executive Director John Bruzdzinski.
With a waiting list of youngsters seeking mentors, officials say there are plenty of opportunities. You don’t need a ton of time, nor will it be expensive.
“All we do is we ask for six hours a month from our volunteers, and that can be contact time; that could be phone calls; that could be Zoom with your ‘Little’; that could be emailing back and forth; and of course, in-person contact as well,” said Bruzdzinski.
Officials say that time spent with a mentor can be valuable to a kid like Calvin.
Big Brothers-Big Sisters plans to hold its annual "Bowl for Kids’ Sake" fundraiser in March. If you're interested in volunteering or becoming a big brother or a big sister, you're encouraged to contact the Peace Incorporated program in Syracuse at 315-470-3369, extension 361. You can also visit this link for more information.